What is the difference between T5, T8 and T12's?
Making sense of lighting standards
- The T5 is five eighths of an inch, or about the size of a $.10 dime
- The T8 bulb is one inch in diameter at the size of a $.05 nickel
- The T12 is twelve eighths (1.5 inches) in diameter
What is the difference between T12 and T8 fluorescent bulbs?
The main difference between T8 and T12 bulbs is that T8 bulbs have a diameter of 1.5 inches, whereas T12 bulbs have a diameter of 1 inch. T8 bulbs are a better choice than T 12 bulbs. This can be easily proved. T8 bulbs have a better color rendering index as well as high efficacy.
Can you replace a T12 with a T8?
Replacing your T12 fixtures with T8 fixtures is more cost effective than changing out the ballasts, but if you invested a lot in your T12 fixtures and have developed a sentimental attachment, then you may want to invest in changing the ballasts and retaining the fixtures. Purchase a T8 ballast at a home improvement retailer.
Can you replace a T12 bulb with a T8?
T12 tubes pull 40 watts, and are frequently being replaced with lower wattage t8 tubes, which operate on 32 watts. When posing the question can a t8 light work on a t12 ballast, the short answer is no.
What is the T8 light?
How big is a T8 fluorescent lamp?
Will the price of T12 lamps change?
Is a T8 light different from a T12 light?
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Can you replace a T12 bulb with a T8?
The easiest and lowest price option to replace a T12 is a T8 linear fluorescent. They have become the go-to option for pre-existing T12s. If you still have magnetic ballasts, switching to a T8 will require a ballast swap. Another option is to move forward with an LED retrofit.
How do I know if my fixture is T8 or T12?
The main difference between T8 and T12 tubes is the tube's diameter. T12 tubes are 1.5" in diameter while T8s are just one inch. All other things—socket sizes, lengths, distance between pins—are the same. T8 LED tubes won't fall out if you try to install them in a T12 fixture—they'll fit just fine.
Can you use T8 LED bulbs in a T12 fixture?
In an effort to make LED tube lights compatible with the internal dimensions of most fixtures, you will find that most LED tube lights feature a T8 or 1 inch diameter. They can indeed be used in T12 fixtures.
Which is brighter T12 or T8?
The standard T8 produces 2,800 initial lumens per lamp, 6% brighter. But the standard T12 lamp produces 2,300 design lumens and the T8 produces 2,660 design lumens.
Can I put LED bulbs in my fluorescent fixtures?
You have fluorescent tube lights in your home or business already, and you're wondering if you can pop LED tubes in these fixtures or if you'll need to change out the fixtures for something designed for LED. Good news! You can use LED tubes in your existing fixtures!
Are T12 bulbs being phased out?
In effect since July 2012, the legislation eliminates nearly all 4-foot T12 lamps, some 4-foot T8 lamps, most 8-foot T12 lamps, and almost all standard halogen PAR38, PAR30 and PAR20 lamps from the market. T12 technology is over 80 years old.
Do I need to remove the ballast to use an LED bulb?
An LED light does not require a ballast because it uses a component called a “driver” to regulate the power going into the bulb.
Are t8 and t12 sockets the same?
The main difference is in size…the T8 is one inch in diameter and everything else is divisible by that number: T5 = 5/8 inch, T6 = 6/8 inch, T8 = 1 inch, T10 = 1.25 inches (10/8), T12 = 1.5 inches in diameter (12/8). They are available in same lengths and same base types.
Will t8 lamps work with t12 ballast?
Senior Member. If you run a t8 bulb on a t12 ballast you will have premature bulb life as the t12 ballast will over "tax" the bulb. If you run it vice versa and have a t8 ballast running a t12 bulb you will have premature ballast life as the t12 bulb takes more to run and will over work the ballast.
How do you change a T12 bulb to a LED?
1:1713:51How To Convert Your Old T8 and T12 Fluorescent Fixtures to ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFrom a t12 to a t8 LED you don't need to change the tombstones down here now the other differenceMoreFrom a t12 to a t8 LED you don't need to change the tombstones down here now the other difference between a t8 and t12 fixture is the ballast and what I've said here could be confusing.
How do I convert a T12 light fixture to LED?
3 steps to retrofit from T12 to LEDSet goals.Build a budget.Know your T12 replacement options.A. Install a direct wire or ballast-bypass linear LED lamp.B. Install magnetic and electronic ballast-compatible linear LEDs.C. Install electronic ballast-compatible linear LEDs and a new electronic ballast.D. ... E.More items...•
How do I know what size fluorescent tube I need?
In order to identify which size you need, the easiest way to tell is to read the label near the base of the tube. If this information is no longer legible, you can measure the bulb's diameter.
How do you change a T12 bulb to a LED?
1:1713:51How To Convert Your Old T8 and T12 Fluorescent Fixtures to ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFrom a t12 to a t8 LED you don't need to change the tombstones down here now the other differenceMoreFrom a t12 to a t8 LED you don't need to change the tombstones down here now the other difference between a t8 and t12 fixture is the ballast and what I've said here could be confusing.
What is the difference between T8 and T12 LED tubes?
For example, with a T12, the diameter is 12/8, or twelve eights of an inch. Another way to say this is that the diameter is equal to 1.5 inches. For a T8, the diameter is 8/8, which is equal to 1 inch. For a T5, the diameter is 5/8, which is equal to 0.625 inches.
How do you bypass a ballast on a T12 LED?
0:522:27How to Bypass a Ballast - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFirst disconnect the hot neutral. And ground wires that are connected to the ballast. Then cut allMoreFirst disconnect the hot neutral. And ground wires that are connected to the ballast. Then cut all the wires leading from the ballast to the lamp sockets. Be sure to cut them close to the ballast.
Can you replace 4 foot fluorescent bulb with LED?
Yes, you can replace fluorescent tubes with LED tubes or LED-integrated fixtures. If you just want to replace the bulbs, you can use plug-and-play, direct-wire, or hybrid LED tubes. Plug-and-play tubes are the easiest to install as they do not require any rewiring to the fixture.
Difference Between T8 and T12 Bulbs - Ask Any Difference
T8 and T 12 are both fluorescent bulbs. They have been in the market for a long time. The T in T8 and T12 bulbs stand for “tabular,” and the number that follows T represents the diameter or size of the bulb.
T8 vs. T12 Ballasts | DIY Home Improvement Forum
WARNING: Fluorsecent Ballast, High Voltage Capt2 My advice is to hire an electrician and not play with the fluorescent ballast, unless someone with such experence has show how to replace one safely. That being said, I'll supply you with information that shouldn't get you kill. Before moving on, try the lamp, in a light fluorscent light fixture you know
What is the difference between a T8 and a T12 ballast? - Quora
Answer (1 of 2): They are for different fluorescent tubes. fluorescent tubes are measured in 1/8 inch, so a T8 is 8/8 or 1 inch. A T12 is 12/8 or 1.5 inches in width. The different width bulbs require different parameters to start them, and keep them lit. The length of the bulb also makes a diffe...
T8 vs. T12 Lamps | Adventure Lighting Blog
T8 vs. T12 Lamps. Posted by Brian Huff on Monday, February 1, 2010. One of the most common questions we receive at Adventure Lighting is, should I upgrade from T12 to T8 lamps? Here’s the rundown on why this is a no-brainer.
Can I Use a T8 LED Tube in a T12 Fluorescent Fixture?
Buyers of LED fluorescent replacement tube lights often ask if they can use a T8 sized LED tube in a T12 fixture. We cover most of the basics on how to choose LED tube lights for your application here but customers are often confused after purchasing when they receive an LED that is marked as T8.. As we describe in our how to article, T8 and T12 feature the same G13 bi-pin connector.
What is the diameter of a T12 light?
The T12 lamps are the oldest of the three and are currently being phased out. They have a 12/8" or 1.5" diameter and also use the medium bi-pin base. These lights stopped being produces in 2012 along with the magnetic ballasts that operate them. It is recommended that if a replacement is needed that T8 products be used instead.
What is a T5 light?
A T5 tube light is a tubular light that is 5/8" in diameter or 0.625". The pins on a T5 light very from other T8 and T12 lamps. T5's use a miniature bi-pin where as T8 and T12 lamps will use a medium bi-pin base. A few manufacturers will get around this with an adjustable product that will fit all types of tube bases.
What is the T8 light?
The T8 light has replaced the T12 as the new standard in fluorescent lighting, which in turn is the cheaper alternative to incandescent lamps. The number that comes with the T is used to denote the diameter of the fluorescent tube.
How big is a T8 fluorescent lamp?
Since the measurements come in eights of an inch, the T8 has an inch of diameter while a T12 comes in 1.5 inches. The narrower your choice of a fluorescent lamp is, the more efficient its energy output will be.
Will the price of T12 lamps change?
At present, there is still no noticeable change in the price of these two types of lamps but it will change as soon as the T12 is phased out by its manufacturers. This is because T12 technology is now considered to be outdated.
Is a T8 light different from a T12 light?
You may not be able to distinguish the light output difference between a T8 and a T12 fluorescent lamp visually. Even though they are of comparable wattage, the T8 uses less power than a T12 lamp.
When did T8 bulbs come out?
T8 Type. Fluorescent T8 bulbs have continued growing in popularity since they were brought to the United States in 1981 and have now become the standard in building construction. The T8 bulb's lifetime can exceed that of the T12, while using less energy.
How wide is a T8 bulb?
Fluorescent bulb widths are measured in eighths of an inch. For example, a T5 bulb is five-eighths of an inch wide, a T8 bulb is 1 inch wide or eight-eights wide and a T12 is 1-1/2 inches or 12/8ths in diameter.
How to tell if fluorescent light is a tube or a bulb?
The letter T is used in front of the number to show that the fluorescent light is a tube and not a bulb like traditional lights are. Following the letter is a number representing the diameter of the bulb measured in fractions of an inch. Fluorescent bulb widths are measured in eighths of an inch. For example, a T5 bulb is five-eighths of an inch wide, a T8 bulb is 1 inch wide or eight-eights wide and a T12 is 1-1/2 inches or 12/8ths in diameter.
What is a T5 bulb?
T5 Type. The T5 fluorescent bulb is only similar to the the T8 in that it uses an electronic ballast. However the cost of T5 bulbs, especially high output types, is significantly higher than T8 and T12 bulbs. T5 bulbs are also shorter and do not fit standard fixtures.
How long do T8 fluorescent lights last?
They do however last up to 50,000 hours, use less power, operate without a ballast and do not contain hazardous mercury that fluorescent bulbs use. Like any new product, cost reduction will depend on improved technology and consumer demand. Advertisement. references. Lighting Research Center: T8 fluorescent lamps.
Is the T8 ballast more efficient than the T12?
Additionally, the T8 uses an electronic ballast that is more energy efficient than the T12 magnetic type. With the T8 ballast using solid-state circuitry to operate, it does not make a loud humming sound or cause light flickering that's commonly found with the T12 magnetic ballast.
Do T12 bulbs work with electronic ballasts?
T12 and T8 bulbs are available in the same lengths, however, ordinary T12 bulbs do not operate properly with an electronic ballast and vice versa. Magnetic ballasts were banned July of 2010, but left over inventory and other T12 bulbs were still on the market. Advertisement.
Why do people use T8 bulbs over T5 bulbs?
Consumers might pick a T8 over a T5 if they want to save on costs and if they are using bulbs in extreme conditions and need something which they know to be reliable. A lot of factories and warehouses will use T8 and therefore be keen to continue using these bulbs if they think they’re a safe bet.
When did T12s stop being used?
Old-style T12’s were withdrawn from 1 st April 2012. If you’re looking for the most eco-friendly fluorescent tubular light then the T5 is for you.
What does T mean in math?
T simply means tubular and the numbers indicates the diameter of the tube. The T__ acronym is a standard for expressing the measurement of the diameter of the tube in 1/8ths of an inch. So a T5 is 5/8ths of an inch, a T8 is exactly one inch thick (i.e. 8/8ths) and a T12 is 12/8ths or one and a half inches thick.
Which is more efficient, T5 or T12?
A T5 comes in then at 51% more efficient than a T12 and 9% more efficient than a T8.
How long does a T5 fluorescent last?
A t5 fluorescent tube is generally considered to be the most energy efficient fluorescent tube. Set to last for on average 30,000 hours it falls into the A class energy efficiency rating. There are a number of factors which set the T5 apart from other tubes. These include:
What is the difference between T5 T8 and T12 lights?
In short, the difference between t5, t8, and t12 lights are the sizes and energy efficiency. The smaller t5 and t8 tubes use less energy and have less mercury in them than T12 bulbs.
What is a T8 light?
T8 lights are commonly used in larger spaces as overhead lighting for example in office spaces with troffer lights, garages or classrooms . This is why you will often see long T8 lighting in 4 foot light tubes, 6 feet, and 8 feet lengths. Compared to T5 lighting, the 8 Foot T8 tube lights are less economical.
Why are T12 fluorescent lights still used?
Another reason why they are still used is the cheaper purchasing price compared to the others, but, they are no longer being made. Despite being an older model, the T12 fluorescent tube lights still offer a range of color temperatures at different watts.
How many watts does a T4 light bulb use?
There is no industry standard for the length or wattage of T4 tube lights. They can range anywhere from 6 watts to 30 watts, the lower the number the lower the energy consumption, and many lengths. If you are replacing a T4, you may struggle with finding the same fluorescent light bulbs sizes. Be sure to measure the length ...
What is the color rendering index of T5 bulbs?
The CRi of T5 fluorescent bulbs generally range in the lower end of 70 -80 but there are options with more accurate color rendering up to 95.
How long do fluorescent tubes last?
How long do fluorescent tubes last, well that depends a lot on its wattage, design, and application, But, expect between 7,000 and 15,000 hours. But we have seen claims that the T5 can last up to 50.000 hours, but they are the newest on the block.
Why are T12 lamps the least popular?
T12 lamps are the least popular size. This is because they use older technology that is less energy-efficient compared to the smaller options. T12 fittings use a magnetic start ballast which is less energy efficient. The smaller and newer models have already been fitted with the more energy-efficient electric ballasts.
What is the difference between a T5 and T8 lamp?
The T5 lamp has a generally lighter output compared to the T8 lamp. The T5 is offered in color temperatures of 3000K, 3500K and 4100K. They have a color-rendering index (CRI) of 82 or 85, compared to the T8 with a CRI of 75 or 85. The T5 system provides its peak output at 35°C as opposed to the T8 or T12’s peak output at 25°C. This makes the T5 system a better choice in an output over temperature ratio, and a better choice to use for effective lighting in small, and low circulated spaces. With power ratings of 24, 39, 54, and 80, the T5 HO lamp easily beats the T8 or T12 system with over double the output. T5 lamps are generally rated for 20,000 hours, as compared to T8 lamps, which are generally rated for 24,000 hours.
What is a T5 tube?
T5 tubes are the latest series of fluorescent lamps. They are offered in standard or high-output (HO) options. There are many differences between T5 lamps and T8 or T12 lamps.
How big is a T5 bulb?
They are offered in sizes of 2-5 feet in length. T5 lamps are around 40% smaller than T8 lamps and almost 60% smaller than T12 lamps. T5 lamps have a G5 base (bi-pin with 5 mm spacing), while T8 and T12 lamps use a G13 base (bi-pin with 13 mm spacing). Because of a .625-inch bulb diameter, and a mini bi-pin base, ...
How long does a T5 lamp last?
T5 lamps are generally rated for 20,000 hours, as compared to T8 lamps, which are generally rated for 24,000 hours. T8 or T12 fixtures must be suspended over 2 feet from the ceiling in order to have effective light. This would be too low for many office buildings where ceilings are rarely high. With T5 lamps, suspension from ...
How many watts does a T5 light have?
Get the perfect T5 fluorescent lamps for your lighting fixtures at Warehouse Lighting. We carry a wide variety of T5 lamps ranging from 4 to 54 watts. Order T5 fluorescent lights online from Warehouse Lighting.
Where is the T5 HO lamp used?
T5 and T5 HO lamps are increasingly used in offices and industrial areas. The T5 HO system can be used in any area with a ceiling higher than 15 feet, including gymnasiums and warehouses. The T5 offers over 50% more energy saving then a 400 watt metal halide system.
Does a T5 HO need a ballast?
The high output and thinness of the lamps lets them be available for indirect and shallower lighting. Every T5 HO lamp requires its own ballast, but they are 10-15% less efficacious than normal T5 models. T5 HO ballasts also have many features such as a dimming function, or operating multiple F54 lamps.
What is the difference between a T5 and a T12 lamp?
T5 lamps have a diameter equal to 5 times an eighth of an inch, or 5/8". These lamps are approximately 40% smaller than T8 lamps, which are one inch in diameter, and almost 60% smaller than T12 lamps, which are 1½" in diameter. The picture above shows diagrams of lamp ends of T5, T8, and T12 lamps. The picture also shows that pin base type of T5 lamps is different from that of T8 and T12 lamps. T5 lamps have a miniature bi-pin base while T8 and T12 lamps use a medium bi-pin base. (see: http://www.lrc.rpi.edu/)
Which is better, T5 or T12?
T5 fluorescent lamps have a higher luminous efficacy than T8 or T12 lamps. Luminous efficacy indicates how much light a lamp generates from the energy it consumes. The higher the value, the more energy efficient the lamp is. The luminous efficacy of T5 lamps is about 100 lm/W, while those of T8 and T12 lamps are only about 80 lm/W and 70 lm/W respectively.
What is a T5 lamp?
T5 lamps are fluorescent lamps that are 16mm or 5/8" of an inch in diameter . Differences in length and socket pin design versus conventional fluorescent lamps prevent any confusion problems with electric circuits or human factors. This section focuses on the physical characteristics of T5 systems compared with T8 systems and T12 systems.
Can you use a T5 lamp as a replacement for a T12 lamp?
T5 lamps are slightly shorter than T8 and T12 lamps and therefore cannot be used as replacements for the larger lamps. You will always need an adapter if you wish to retrofit from T12 to T5 or T8 to T8. Additionally, you need to eiher manually change the ballast by opening the lamp fixture or use a conversion adapter (i.e. LUXADD express Retrofit Kit series). The table compares lengths of T5 lamps with T8 and T12 lamps.
What is the T8 light?
The T8 light has replaced the T12 as the new standard in fluorescent lighting, which in turn is the cheaper alternative to incandescent lamps. The number that comes with the T is used to denote the diameter of the fluorescent tube.
How big is a T8 fluorescent lamp?
Since the measurements come in eights of an inch, the T8 has an inch of diameter while a T12 comes in 1.5 inches. The narrower your choice of a fluorescent lamp is, the more efficient its energy output will be.
Will the price of T12 lamps change?
At present, there is still no noticeable change in the price of these two types of lamps but it will change as soon as the T12 is phased out by its manufacturers. This is because T12 technology is now considered to be outdated.
Is a T8 light different from a T12 light?
You may not be able to distinguish the light output difference between a T8 and a T12 fluorescent lamp visually. Even though they are of comparable wattage, the T8 uses less power than a T12 lamp.